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Nuclear Structural Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Civil/Structural Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $114K/yr

... nuclear power, healthcare, dams and waterways, defense, pressure vessels and piping, and mechanical ... Perform structural engineering analysis and design of steel and concrete structures, using hand ...

Civil/Structural Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$78K - $97K/yr

... nuclear power, healthcare, dams and waterways, defense, pressure vessels and piping, and mechanical ... Perform structural engineering analysis and design of steel and concrete structures, using hand ...

Civil/Structural Engineer

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... nuclear power, healthcare, dams and waterways, defense, pressure vessels and piping, and mechanical ... Perform structural engineering analysis and design of steel and concrete structures, using hand ...

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Showing results 1-20

Nuclear Structural Engineer information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$98.1K

$150K

How much do nuclear structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear structural engineer in California is $98,098.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by Nuclear Structural Engineers in their daily work?

Nuclear Structural Engineers regularly face the challenge of designing and analyzing structures that must withstand extreme conditions, such as seismic activity, radiation, and strict regulatory requirements. They often work as part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and nuclear engineers to ensure all safety and compliance standards are met. Navigating evolving regulatory frameworks and implementing complex safety measures requires meticulous attention to detail and ongoing professional development. These challenges make the role both demanding and rewarding, as engineers directly contribute to the safety and reliability of nuclear facilities.

What is a Nuclear Structural Engineer job?

A Nuclear Structural Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and ensuring the structural integrity of buildings, containment structures, and support systems in nuclear facilities. They work with materials that can withstand extreme conditions, such as radiation and high temperatures, to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Their role also includes assessing seismic risks, performing stress tests, and collaborating with other engineers to maintain nuclear plant reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Nuclear Structural Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Structural Engineer, you need a strong background in civil or structural engineering, with knowledge of nuclear industry codes, standards, and safety regulations, usually accompanied by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (PE). Proficiency with structural analysis software such as ANSYS, STAAD.Pro, and knowledge of nuclear-specific design protocols and regulatory documentation is vital, and certifications like NQA-1 or experience with ASME codes are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure the safety, resilience, and regulatory compliance of nuclear facility structures, directly impacting public safety and project success.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Structural Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Nuclear Structural Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Nuclear Structural Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Nuclear Structural Engineer job openings:

Civil/Structural Engineer

Structural Integrity Associates, Inc

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$78K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. (SIA) is looking for a motivated Civil/Structural Engineer to join our Critical Infrastructure Solutions team in our San Diego, CA office. Other office locations (Atlanta, GA, Denver, CO, Sacramento, CA, or San Jose, CA) may be considered.
The Engineer will provide structural engineering consulting services involving advanced design and analysis under the supervision of a senior-level engineer. The Engineer will provide support to project managers and other engineers by performing 3-D modeling and engineering design and analysis of various steel and concrete structures, systems, equipment, and component anchorage. The company operates in a variety of industries including design and maintenance of civil infrastructure, nuclear power, healthcare, dams and waterways, defense, pressure vessels and piping, and mechanical and electrical components.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Perform structural engineering analysis and design of steel and concrete structures, using hand calculations or finite element analysis software
  • Prepare technical reports and presentations; document calculations
  • Prepare CAD drawings and sketches
  • Review drawings, reports, and calculations prepared by other parties
  • Execute structural engineering tasks of moderate complexity
  • Plan, schedule, coordinate, and execute projects of small to moderate scope under the direction of engineers of higher classification
  • Assist in maintaining positive client relationships
  • Follow SIA's policies on safety and quality control

Required Skills/Qualifications:
  • MS in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical engineering from an ABET-accredited university
  • 2 to 5 years of relevant professional experience
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification
  • Experience using structural engineering codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE, ACI, and AISC
  • Demonstrated academic or professional experience using hand calculations and/or structural analysis computer software to calculate demands and capacities of structural systems
  • Enthusiasm, passion, and desire for continued learning of new ideas and concepts
  • College coursework in solid mechanics, steel, concrete, seismic design, advanced structural analysis, vibrations or structural dynamics, and proficiency in finite element analysis software platforms
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Strong planning and organizational skills to complete assignments within budget and schedule

Desired Skills/Qualifications:
  • PhD in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Experience in structural engineering or finite element analysis programs (e.g. ANSYS, ABAQUS, SAP2000, LS-DYNA, GTSTRUDL, SASSI, Matlab, and Mathcad)
  • Proficiency with use of computer programming and scripting tools for engineering computations, such as Mathcad, MATLAB, Python, and VBA
  • Experience with foundation soil-structure interaction analyses in the time and/or frequency domains
  • Experience in drafting modeling software (e.g. AutoCAD/Revit, SolidWorks, or other 3D modeling software)
  • Advanced education in engineering mechanics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, blast, shock, and impact analysis

Pay Range:
The expected salary range for this role is $78,320 to $97,900 in San Diego, CA; $72,560 to $90,700 in Atlanta, GA; $78,720 to $98,400 in Denver, CO; $80,480 to $100,600 in Sacramento, CA; and $91,840 to $114,800 in San Jose, CA. Exact pay will be commensurate with experience and location.
Export Control Notice:
Certain positions at SIA may require access to information and technology which is subject to Export Administration Regulations 15 CFR 730-774, including those of the US Department of Energy (DOE) in 10 CFR 810 and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) 10 CFR Part 110. Hiring decisions for such positions must comply with these regulations and may result in SIA limiting its consideration of foreign nationals who are citizens of countries that are not on the DOE's Generally Authorized Destinations List: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-10/chapter-III/part-810/appendix-Appendix%20A%20to%20Part%20810.
About Us:
SIA is an engineering consulting firm serving various industries including Nuclear Power, Energy Services, Pipeline Integrity, and Critical Infrastructure. Join a team of internationally recognized experts in a culture based on knowledge, excellence, and respect for one another. Our employees are members of a distinct community of internationally respected professionals committed to quality, engineering innovation and a shared goal of building a safer world.
Why Work at SIA?
SIA offers a competitive salary and performance-based bonus program. Our retirement benefits include a Traditional 401k, Roth 401k, and an employer match. To help employees maintain a work-life balance, SIA also offers various paid time off including vacation, floating holidays, sick time, and parental leave.
Our employees also enjoy a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life Insurance and AD&D
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Health Savings Account with employer contribution
  • Flexible Spending Account for health care and dependent care
  • ID theft protection and credit monitoring

Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
www.structint.com
SIA does not welcome third-party recruiters, employment agencies, headhunters, etc. Please do not reach out to SIA employees requesting a call, sit down, meeting, or email response.